RM L15: Human ethics -

Question 1

What is informed consent?

Lesson 15

Answer 1

• voluntary and well informed agreement by an individual to participate in a sttudy after they have been provided with all the necessary information abt the research
• Purpose, procedure, risks, right to withdraw
• It is very important that ppts willingly agree to ppt in study and understand their role

Question 2

How can we ensure informed consent?

Lesson 15

Answer 2

• Can ensure informed consent by providing ppts with a clear and simle written / verbal explination of study details
• Should allow ppts enough time to ask questions and make an informed choice on if they want to ppt

Question 3

What happens if informed consent is not obtained?

Lesson 15

Answer 3

• If informed consent is not gained or ppts not fully informed ethical issues such as potential harm, lack of respect of autonomy, breach of trust between researchers and participants

Question 4

What is debriefing?

Lesson 15

Answer 4

• Debriefing in reserach happens after the study where researchers tell ppts information about the study including true purpose, and explain any deception that was used
• provides oppurtunity for ppts to ask questions / express concerns
• Usually happens when deception been used in study

Question 5

Why is debriefing important?

Lesson 15

Answer 5

• important as it ensures ppts leave the study with a full understanding of what they were involved in, reducing potential harm, distress
• Allows researchers to address any concerns / psychological effects ppts may have experienced

Question 6

What happens in debriefing?

Lesson 15

Answer 6

• In a study using deception the debriefing session will involve explaining to ppts the true nature of study, reasons for deception, how data collected will be used
• researchers provide contact information in case ppts have any further questions / concerns

Question 7

What does protection from harm mean?

Lesson 15

Answer 7

• Principle of ‘protection of harm’ in psychological research means researchers have a responsibility to minimise any physical / psychological harm or distress that ppts may experience as a result of their involvement in the study

Question 8

What are the 5 things researchers can do to minimise harm to ppts ?

Lesson 15

Answer 8

• To minimise harm reserachers can:
  1. Make sure they have obtained informed consent
  2. Ensuring ppts anonymity
  3. Monitoring ppts emotional wellbeing through out the study
  4. Providing access to support services if needed
  5. Avoid using unnecessary / stress inducing procedures

Question 9

What are the 3 things that can happen to researchers if they do not protect ppts from harm?

Lesson 15

Answer 9

• If researchers do not take adequate measures to protect ppts from harm they may face
  1. Ethical issues&raquo_space; potential physical / psychological harm to ppts
  2. Loss of trust in research
  3. Legal consequences

Question 10

What is confidentiality in psychological research

Lesson 15

Answer 10

• Confidentiality refers to ethical obligations to protect the privacy of participants by ensuring that their personal information and data are kept confidential and not disclosed to unauthorised individuals

Question 11

What are the 4 ways researchers can ensure confidentiality for ppts?

Lesson 15

Answer 11

Ensure confidentiality by
1. Using ppt IDs rather than names
2. Storing data securely
3. Reporting data without personal details in research publications
4. Inform ppts about the extent to which their data will remain confidential

Question 12

What does the ‘right to withdraw’ mean?

Lesson 15

Answer 12

• The right to withdraw mean ppts have the autonomy to decide to leave a study at any point without facing any negative consequences
• This right is a fundamental aspect of informed consent

Question 13

When will ppts want to use their right to withdraw and what do researchers have to do?

Lesson 15

Answer 13

• Ppts might want to exercise their right to withdraw if they experience distress / discomfort or simply change their minds about participating
• Researchers should respect this decision without pressuring / coercing ppts to continue

Question 14

Why is it important for researchers to respect ppts right to withdraw?

Lesson 15

Answer 14

• Upholds ppts autonomy
• Ensures they are not subjected to harm / stress
• If right is not upheld ethical issues may arise&raquo_space;
  1. including violations of autonomy
  2. Potential harm to ppts